Dry Eye Patients and Contact Lenses
Dry eyes, whether it is from systemic disease or ocular disease, can be some of the most challenging patients. Most patients want good visual acuity, comfort, and a long wearing time. These are usually my goals as well, but I am equally as concerned with good fit and physiologic compatibility. Plasma treatment of gas permeable lenses is one tool we use to achieve these results. Silicone hydrogels are another tool for soft lens wearers that have proven to be quite effective.  

For the treatment to be of benefit, patients need to properly care for the treated surface. For gas permeable lenses, non-abrasive cleaning systems are recommended such as Bausch & Lomb’s Boston solutions or Lobob Laboratories Optimum. We also have an in-office cleaning system ideal for plasma treated lenses to help remove protein deposits.

For best results regarding the care of silicone hydrogel lenses (Oasys, Acuvue Advance, Focus Night & Day, Purevision, etc.) you must RUB them with either Optifree Express/Replenish or Renu Multipurpose. Both of these products contain wetting and cleaning agents compatible with silicone hydrogel lenses, which improve eye-comfort during the day. For those of you using a private label brand of multipurpose product which is based on older technology, I would encourage you to try either the Optifree or Renu solutions to see if you feel a difference in comfort, or notice a visible difference in the appearance of your eyes. Feel free to stop by the office for a free sample.

One More Thing Regarding Lens Care
In the wake of Fusarium and Acanthamoeba keratitis outbreaks reported in the last two years, the United States FDA has taken steps to more strictly regulate contact lens care products and practices.  

To make it clear, there was no contamination at the manufacturing level. These issues arose due to patient non-compliance, dirty hands, dirty cases, and swimming with contacts on. From this, the FDA will be requiring new product labeling to include some or all of the following recommendations:
1. No “topping off” or reusing solution.
2. Rub and rinse your lenses.
3. Replace your contact lens case every 2-3 months.
4. Do not wear your contacts during water activities.
5. Do not use expired solutions.
6. Lenses should not be stored in water or in any kind of non-sterile solution. 
7. Follow the recommended replacement schedule for your contacts.

New to our office: I’ve upgraded my retinal camera to better serve you. We can now take photos of the inside of your eyes without dilation. Baseline photos, diabetic changes, those on medication that affect the optic nerve and retina, glaucoma suspects, macular degeneration, etc. we now have an excellent tool to document changes. The photos become a permanent part of your record. They are not considered part of a routine examination, so there is an additional fee which is usually covered by your major medical insurance (PPO) or Medicare.

Prescribing for Astigmatism
Contact lenses for astigmatism have never been so easy! This year many new disposable contact lenses for astigmatism have been released and it’s been great having more choices to offer. We have both monthly and biweekly disposables to offer you. Let us know if you are interested at your next exam.

Flex Spending
The end of the year is approaching. This is an ideal time to utilize your FSA’s for contact lenses, updating your glasses, prescription sunglasses, and eye examinations. Beat the rush!

Web Store
Visit our web store for easy convenient online ordering of contact lenses. Go to our website www.drteresalui.com and click on the link “Order Contacts” You’ll register with yourlens.com with your name and email address. You can enter your contact lens prescription, number of lenses, and shipping information. Don’t have your prescription? No problem – our office will be notified by email when you register, and we will make sure your contact lens prescription is entered correctly.

Our prices are competitive with other online contact lens stores, if not better. Additionally, we do not charge sales tax, and our shipping costs are lower.

                                                                  Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Teresa J. Lui, O.D.  Palo Alto Optometrist   Optical Boutique    info@drteresalui.com    (650) 321-9525